Most people don’t think twice about their ZIP code. It’s just five numbers you write down when you fill out a form or send a letter. But for some towns in the United States, not having their own ZIP code creates problems every single day, from misdelivered mail to delayed emergency services.
This month, the House of Representatives passed two bills: HR 3095 and HR 672. This action can finally give over 80 communities their own ZIP codes. And this is a big deal for the people living in those areas; it really is. What’s more surprising? Lawmakers from Colorado, Florida, and Connecticut are actually working together on it, a rare moment of bipartisan agreement.
Lauren Boebert, a Republican representative from Colorado, sponsored one of the bills. She said the lack of a dedicated ZIP code causes “loss of tax revenue and difficulties for essential public services.” That might sound dramatic, but for people in these towns, it’s real: higher insurance rates, business permit issues, slow mail, and confused 911 responses. It adds up.
The second bill came from Mario Díaz-Balart of Florida, and between the two—HR 3095 and HR 672—they’ve made it through the House with solid support. Next stop: the United States Senate. If the Senate signs off, the bills will then go to Donald Trump, who will have the final say on turning them into law.
It’s not just about the mail
You’d be surprised how much depends on a ZIP code. Not having your own can mean your town gets lumped in with another, and one that might be wealthier, poorer, riskier, or just totally unrelated. That impacts how insurance companies assess your home. It affects taxes. It can even change how businesses decide whether to set up shop near you.
Towns that often share codes with larger neighbors can easily get mixed up in confusing situations or miscommunication between residents and government services. To this, add wasting time going to places where you don’t even live. Here’s an example: Someone might apply for a permit or vote in a local election, only to find out they’re registered under a neighboring city’s jurisdiction.
According to the bills, the change would impact communities in at least 25 states.
Where is this happening?
The proposed reforms under HR 3095 and HR 672 cover more than 80 communities. Here’s just a sample of who’s on the list:
- In California: places like Hidden Hills, North Tustin, and Eastvale
- In Colorado: Castle Pines, Keystone, and Centennial
- In Florida: Hollywood, Coconut Creek, and Miami Lakes
- In Texas: Murphy, Fate, and Fairview
- And in Connecticut, a town called Scotland—population under 1,600—is divided across six different ZIP codes.
Congressman Joe Courtney, a Democrat from Connecticut, has been one of the most vocal supporters of the bill. He points to towns like Scotland, where something as simple as having the wrong ZIP code causes real headaches—missed mail, trouble getting government forms, or delays when applying for basic services. It’s messy, and it adds stress to things that should be simple.
For him, this is the kind of fix that could quietly make life a lot easier for thousands of people.
The next move is in the Senate’s hands
If the United States Senate approves the bills, they’ll head to Donald Trump for final approval. If that happens, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) would begin assigning unique ZIP codes to affected communities.
It won’t solve every problem. But it might fix a quiet one that’s been causing frustration in towns across America for years.
Having a ZIP code that finally says where you actually live? That’s not just about mail. It’s about being acknowledged.